SHELTERS FOR THE HOMELESS

Based on a recent survey conducted by the Emergency Food and Shelter Program of Orange County, approximately 8,500 homeless people countywide are receiving emergency shelter and temporary housing assistance on a monthly basis.

The homeless are defined as “persons with no true permanent address,” including those living in cars, parks, under bridges and in doorways; transients; shared housing agreements, and interim arrangements such as renting motel rooms.

Fogarty called Orange County’s situation “different than traditional homeless populations” in California

and throughout the country. “The typical homeless indigent is usually a single, white male and/or female or a person who is mentally ill. We are dealing with a growing number of middle-class and working poor families facing hard times because of the county’s high cost of living, the overall economy and loss of service trade jobs,” he said.

Government funding for emergency shelters and temporary housing assistance is based on the unemployment rate and the 1980 census. However, Fogarty said future surveys would be used to encourage the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funding based on needs assessments.

Orange Coast Inter-Faith Shelter

(requests address not be listed)

(714) 631-7213

A Costa Mesa-based emergency shelter for families with children. The nine-unit apartment complex houses 12 families at a time for up to 60 days. Shelter advisors assist clients to find employment and clients must save 80% of their earnings. The facility averages 70 to 75 persons per night at an estimated $5.40 per person. A short-term respite care (shelter for three nights and hot meals) is also available.

Salvation Army Hospitality House of Orange County

818 E. Third St., Santa Ana

(714) 542-9750

Operating since the mid-1960s, the shelter has separate facilities for men and women with children and operates on a first-come basis. Proof of residency is required. Hot meals are provided and most clients average three nights. Depending on nature of emergency, families may be placed in a motel. At least 55% of all clients are on a work program. Employed individuals who are saving toward first and last month rent may be eligible to stay up to 30 days.

Irvine Temporary Housing, Inc.

(requests address not be listed)

(714) 975-4050

Transitional housing available for families for up to 90 days. Clients are housed in furnished two-and-three bedroom units in five apartment buildings in Irvine. Families must demonstrate a willingness to become self-sufficient, while working and living together. The agency also provides family counseling, medical treatment, employment assistance and food. Intake by phone call. Officials said the program has an 85% success rate.

Placentia Human Services

974 S. Melrose Ave., Placentia

(714) 630-3871

The city’s Division of Human Services provides limited emergency assistance for up to two weeks through a voucher system. Clients must be Placentia residents who are experiencing financial and/or emotional crisis.

Christian Temporary Housing, Inc. 704 N. Glassell St., Orange

393 S. Tustin Ave., Tustin

(714) 771-2969

The oldest family shelter in Orange County was founded 11 years ago. The facility cares for families with children only for up to 60 nights. Clients must be “homeless” and living in the street. The safe haven atmosphere gives children a sense of home and the opportunity to attend school. Adults having an address and telephone number actively seek work and save toward first and last month’s rent. Clients receive a weekly evaluation to determine progress. According to a spokesman, the program provides 2,000 shelter nights per month. Staff members are former homeless individuals.

Sheep Fold

P.O. Box 1234, Tustin

(714) 669-9569

An independent Christian organization with shelters in Garden Grove and Tustin, caring for single women with children for two to three weeks. Since many clients are battered women, location of the apartment-like facilities are undisclosed. In some cases, clients can stay up to two months. Write or call for additional information.

Lutheran Social Services

215 N. Lemon St., Fullerton

(714) 738-1058

12432 9th St., Garden Grove

(714) 534-6450

Helps families having financial difficulity with move-in and/or eviction costs. Assistance is provided largely through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The program does not have geographical limitations. Recipients are required to have some funds.

Community Resource Center

115 W. La Habra Blvd., La Habra

(213) 697-1199

A nonprofit organization of churches and service clubs staffed by volunteers to provide vouchers for emergency housing and referrals for medical care and food.

Orange County Rescue Mission

1901 N. Walnut St., Santa Ana (for men)

(address for battered women’s shelter confidential)

(714) 835-0499

The non-denominational religious organization provides shelter, food, clothing, licensed counseling and employment placement services. Men are allowed to stay five days, and those finding jobs are eligible for a three-week extension. Women with children may stay up to two months. The shelters are open 24 hours, seven days a week.

Casa De Bienvenidos

10911 Reagan St., Los Alamitos

(714) 995-8601

A 24-hour, year-round crisis intervention shelter for runaways and youths in crisis. The facility provides a warm, supportive environment needed for youth, family members and professionals to resolve problems. Youngsters 12 to 17-years-old can stay up to 30 days. Individual, group and family counseling services are provided.

Community Service Program (C.S.P.)

980 Catalina Ave., Laguna Beach

(714) 494-9604 or 494-4311

The former South County Youth Shelter provides 24-hour, year-round crisis intervention and short-term shelter care for incorrigible, runaway or truant youth 11 to 17-years old. The highly structured facility provides group, family and individual counseling, as well as, parent education workshops and a 24-hour telephone (714) 955-1293) Community Referral Helpline.

Orange County Indian Center

12755 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove

(714) 530-0221

Provides temporary housing, food, clothing and referral services to displaced and needy Native Americans making the transition from reservation to urban life. The center fosters and promotes Indian culture and offers special services to senior citizens.

Travelers Aid Society 9872 Chapman St., Suite 6 , Garden Grove

(714) 530-2426

Provides emergency shelter, food, transportation, counseling and crisis intervention services for families and individuals residing in Orange County for six months or less. The society also assists runaways, stranded travelers, the homeless and newcomers seeking employment.

Anchor House

150 Avenida Pico, San Clemente (office)

(714) 492-6924

A nonprofit organization under the auspices of the Episcopal Service Alliance providing transitional shelter to homeless families trying to regain their independence. The program houses families who are living in cars, motels or at camp sites, for up to two months in a communal environment. Clients must be willing to seek employment. No alcohol and/or drugs are permitted on the premises. Prospective applicants are prescreened by phone, then interviewed.

Child or Parental Emergency Services (C.O.P.E.S.)

2025 N. Broadway, Santa Ana

(714) 972-4975

The 24-hour, seven day-a-week crisis intervention center provides shelter for up to three months for children under five-years-old, who are neglected and abuse or at-risk. The bilingual center offers parenting education and counseling class for adults seeking volunteer placement for their children. Involuntary placements are made by Orangwood, a county facility for abused and neglected children.

Set Free Christian Fellowship 320 N. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim

(714) 520-0776

Provides temporary housing, food and clothing for 10 days in private homes leased from the city. Orientation sessions are held every Sunday at 5 p.m. for prospective clients Applications must be submitted in advance. Clients must actively seek employment during their stay. The program is supported by parishioners and can accomodate 150 people. Shelters are supervised by a minister and director. A discipleship program is available for persons who want to pursue the ministry.

YWCA Hotel for Women

1411 N. Broadway, Santa Ana

(714) 542-3577

The program is designed for women who have recently become homeless or face imminent loss of housing and need temporary shelter while seeking employment. The 19-room residence has 20 free beds and 18 low cost beds with communal kitchen/lounge facilities. Counseling and employment services are provided. Clients may stay up to 60 days.

Missionaries of Charity

1921 W. Washington Ave., Santa Ana

(no telephone)

Temporary housing for families with children only for up to three months. Peaceful environment, basic medical assistance and three meals per day. Office open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dayle McIntosh Center HEARTH Program 12051 West St., Garden Grove

(714) 772-8285 (voice)

(714) 772-8366 (telephone device for the deaf)

Provides emergency short-term housing for handicapped persons. The residential, single-family dwelling is wheelchair accessible. The six-bed facility provides shelter up to 60 days for clients seeking employment and/or social security benefits, while adhering to curfew and no smoking/drug policies.

Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service

NEW VISTA Shelter

(Office at Maple School, Rm. 17)

244 E. Valencia, at Lemon St., Fullerton

(714) 738-0255

The program, serving north Orange County, provides needy families with children with emergency shelter and food. A 5-unit apartment building in Fullerton houses five-to-six families (depending on size) for up to two months. Apply by phone, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Interviews and needs assessments are made from 2-4 p.m. Clients must have some income and are expected to save at least 80% needed to secure their own apartment.

Homeless Drop-In Center

205 W. Civic Center Dr., Santa Ana

YMCA - east lobby

(714) 547-9778

The day care program for the homeless chronically mentally ill serves as a focal point for emergency shelters. Clients are transported to and from overnight shelters under contract with the county. Laundry, showers, clothing, counseling and employment services are provided. A hot meal and two snacks are provided. The facility is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and can accomodate 150 people per day.

Martha House

275 S. Glassell St., Orange

(714) 639-5323

A 10-bed shelter for women in transition working to regain independent living. During a 30-day probation period, women must adhere to strict curfew, share household chores, and find employment. As an incentive, women earning over $4.50 per hour may stay two more months, while those earning less receive shelter for an additional month. Bus tickets and/or gas vouchers are provided at onset of employment to help women minimize expenses. The program also provides three hot meals, snacks and a bagged lunch, 24-hour facility supervision and referrals for counseling services. At least 60% of clients are unemployed when accepted in program.

Orange County Homeless Program

Health Care Agency

517 N. Main St., Suite 219, Santa Ana

(714) 834-8971

A state funded outreach program designed to provide short-term relief to the mentally disabled homeless. Presently, 69-beds are under contract with community providers throughout the county. Clients must have a major psychiatric disorder. The average stay is six weeks or less. Transporation and ongoing case management services are also provided.